A Statement From the Family of Deceased Bodysurfer Monte Valentin

Valentin Died While Bodysurfing the "Wedge" in Newport Beach

As reported last week, 50-year-old Monte Valentin of Lawndale, CA died in extremely hazardous surf while bodysurfing the Wedge in Newport Beach. Though lifeguards attempted to rescue Valentin, pulling him out of the water and rushing him to nearby Hoag Memorial Hospital, they were unable to save him.

SURFER received this message from the late bodysurfer’s sister, Natashia Valentin, who wanted to share the following statement with readers:

We, the family of Monte Kevin Valentin, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the courageous and caring surfers and lifeguards who risked their lives trying desperately to save Monte last Friday at the “Wedge” in Newport Beach.

We will miss him beyond imagination! But, we know in our hearts that Monte is ok and that he “transitioned to his next life” doing what he loved most…riding the waves!